On January 27, 2005, after 24 years of high school and college coaching, Steve Keenum, 64, walked away from coaching. The Duncanville, Texas native began his new duties as the Area Director of the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes, headquartered in Abilene immediately. On Keenum’s move to FCA, McMurry Athletic Director Jerry Larned said, “I don’t think you could have found anyone better suited for this job. Our loss is their gain. Steve always told me he worked for the Lord.”

On September 1, 2012, Keenum was named as the West Texas Multi-Area Director which extends from the Big Country to El Paso and Amarillo. The area includes 100 counties and about 11% of the Texas population. 26 full time FCA staff serve the area and hosts Sports Camp at Texas Tech University as well as Leadership Camp at Hardin-Simmons University.

He spent 10 seasons coaching his alma mater, taking them to the conference championship game in 1998 and 1999. His ’98 team tied a school record with an 8-game win streak. While at McMurry, he coached more than 100 all-conference, 60 academic all-conference, and 35 conference/national player of the week selections. The list also includes 3 All-Americans and 4 who played professionally. He also served from 2001-2004 as the school’s Athletic Director adding sports, staff, and improving facilities. He was chosen as the outstanding University Administrator in the fall of ’98.

Keenum has been involved in FCA since high school as a huddle member, huddle leader, camp huddle leader, and as a coach, huddle sponsor, and member of Adult Leadership Boards. The Big Country/Concho Valley FCA serves a 36-county area that includes 135 colleges, high schools, and junior high schools. The ministry of FCA has four components – COACHES, CAMPUSES, CAMPS, and COMMUNITY. The West Texas FCA ministry continues to grow with over 20 full time staff now serving.

Keenum’s coaching background includes college stops at: Hardin-Simmons University, 1994 as the offensive line coach; Sul Ross State University, ’92-’93 as Head Football Coach, Tarleton State University, ’88-’90 as the offensive coordinator. High School stops include Ballinger HS, ’81-’85 as offensive line coach; Brownwood HS, ’86-’87 as offensive line coach and head track coach; Cooper HS, ’91 as Asst. Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator.

Keenum’s wife, Susan, is a 1982 graduate of McMurry and recently retired from teaching after a 30-year career. They have three children. Case is an NFL QB and the record holder for NCAA career passing, and an outspoken supporter of the FCA. He and his wife Kimberly, and children, Kyler and Cadence, live in Houston. Their daughter Lauren, and husband Justin, both Texas A&M graduates, reside in Austin with their daughters, Wren, Ruthie, and Annabelle. Allison, their youngest daughter, a Hardin-Simmons University graduate, now lives and works in New Braunfels. Steve and Susan attend Beltway Park Baptist Church where they currently lead a community Life Group. He currently serves as the President of the Wylie ISD Board of Trustees while completing his 5th term. Keenum also serves on the Board of the Abilene Youth Sports Authority.